Joshua Zirkzee may have endured a slow start to his life at Manchester United following his £36.5 million move from Bologna FC, but he gradually found his rhythm at Old Trafford.
Although he did not hit the goal-scoring heights many had hoped for, his playmaking ability quickly caught the attention of the United faithful.
His intelligent link-up play, close control, and ability to switch play from deep positions led many to believe there was more to his game than just scoring goals.
While he may not have been as clinical in front of goal as Rasmus Hojlund, United supporters seem less eager to see him moved on, even as the club searches for a new number nine.
Nevertheless, transfer speculation continues to link the former Bayern Munich forward with a return to Italy.
There have even been whispers that he could be offered as part of a deal to bring Victor Osimhen to Manchester.
Capello sees Zirkzee as an ideal fit for Juventus
Now, legendary Italian manager Fabio Capello has weighed in, suggesting that Zirkzee might be the perfect replacement for Dusan Vlahovic at Juventus.
Speaking on the Turin club’s striker situation, Capello noted that, like many, he expects Vlahović to depart this summer.
With Randal Kolo Muani still not signed and the club seemingly in need of a forward, the former England manager believes the Bianconeri should target Zirkzee.
He argued that United’s number 11 had already proven his quality in Serie A. And with his Premier League stint not as successful yet, now might be the right time to tempt him back to Italy.
Capello, dismissive of the Old Lady’s move for Viktor Gyökeres, noted that Zirkzee is both a safer bet and a more affordable signing.
Gyökeres, for all his goal-scoring feats at Sporting CP, remains untested in a top-tier league.
Writing in La Gazzetta dello Sport (page 5), Capello said of Juventus’ striker search:
“Now, Dusan—what’s next? I mention departures because it seems Vlahović and Juventus are heading for a split.
“In that case, Juve would need a new striker, especially with Kolo Muani’s future uncertain (he’s still owned by PSG).
“Who would I pick as the new number nine for the Bianconeri? I’d go straight for Joshua Zirkzee, who showed real class in Serie A.
“Though he’s struggled at Manchester United, now might be the right time to bring the Dutchman back to Italy. Zirkzee would also cost less than the frequently linked Viktor Gyökeres.
“The Swede was a goal machine at Sporting, but at 27, he’s never faced a top-tier league like ours. In short, I believe the safer bet is the former Bologna man.”
Capello’s belief in Zirkzee’s potential to reignite his Serie A career is understandable.
But would Ruben Amorim be willing to let Zirkzee go, especially with Hojlund’s future in question?
Before suffering a late-season injury, the Dutch striker had begun to show genuine promise in a United shirt. His resurgence after a shaky start earned him credit at Carrington.
If only he could add goals to his game, he might well become untouchable.
Either way, it will be interesting to see whether Juventus act on Capello’s recommendation and, if they do, whether United are open to entertaining their approach.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
